by Beth Wiseman
File Size: 692 KBPrint Length: 317 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1595548882
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 2, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
Genre: Inspirational Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: October 2, 2012
An unplanned pregnancy. An absent father. Can love really endure all things?
Danielle Kent is anything but Amish. But as destiny would have it, she has fallen in love with an Amish man.
Now she’s 18, pregnant, and hopeful that the child’s Amish father—Matthew Lapp—will do the right thing and marry her. She knows Matthew plans to leave his Colorado settlement for a life in the Englisch world. But that plan never included a baby.
When Matthew walks away from her and their unborn child, she has nowhere to turn. Her unlikely friendship with Levi offers some comfort—yet they have so little in common. This wasn’t the plan she had for her life, and she has never felt so alone. She doesn’t want to be pregnant. Doesn’t want to be Amish. Doesn’t want to trust God.
And yet.
God has plans beyond what her mind can imagine . . . loving plans to show a lost young woman that His love never fails but endures forever.
“Wiseman is among the best at writing moving Amish fiction.” —Booklist review of The Wonder of His Love
Review:
Danielle Kent had a difficult childhood. Her father died when she was young and her mother beat her. Danielle ended up at age seventeen moving in with an older, and old-fashioned couple who live near, although are not part of, an Amish community. Her ‘guardians’ Martha and Arnold have treated Danielle as their own daughter. Although they dress conservatively they do have electricity, cell phones and use cars, unlike the Amish families. Martha attends the Amish Sunday services on a regular basis and takes Danielle along whenever she will go.
Danielle is comfortable with the Amish and has been dating Matthew, an Amish young man of her age from a neighboring community. Matthew’s family are not happy that he is dating an Englisch girl but he is in the period of “rumschpringe”, the ‘running-round time, when a teenager has not yet committed into the Amish faith. In fact, Matthew does not want to remain with his Amish family. He wants to go away to college and he clearly doesn’t want to marry and start a family with Danielle even though their union has resulted in pregnancy.
Danielle is found weeping by her best friend, Levi, another Amish young man who has not yet been baptized into the community but whose faith is very strong. Levi has been trying to encourage Danielle to trust God.
Levi always planned to be baptized Amish and raise a family in the Amish faith. But Levi has dreams that lead him to propose to marry Danielle and raise the boppli (baby) as his own. Danielle initially rejects this arrangement but then agrees. Levi’s mother is horrified that her son might marry an Englisch girl and live outside the Amish community. She consults with Sarah, the Amish girl Levi has dated a few times, to find ways to convince Levi not to marry Danielle. Troubles and misunderstandings arise.
I particularly loved the character of Levi whose faith is so strong as he prays and tries to follow God’s calling. Danielle is an injured soul and although she does not plan to live in the Amish community, she is willing to remain nearby. She is determined to raise her child in a loving environment. It is interesting, and wonderful, to read how this couple overcomes obstacles and how matters unfold for them as they grow in their relationships.
The story is very well written in plot, character and themes. Ms. Wiseman deals with the prejudices and snobbery of the Amish against the Englisch as well as exploring deeper issues of forgiveness and trust. There is a revelation by Levi’s mother that opens her heart and changes her attitude. I was delighted with the story and plan to encourage my ladies’ book club to read this or another Wiseman title.
Word notes while reading: Sweet, warm, faith issues, prejudices, beautiful message!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Levi shares excitement in his faith with Danielle:“Because when you feel the Holy Spirit, or when God answers a prayer, it’s an amazing feeling, and you know you’re part of something so much bigger than just yourself.” Location 2075.Levi’s Mother shares her faith with Danielle:
“He is the only way. That’s what I’m saying. If you’re feeling alone or longing for peace, He is the way.” Location 2673.
I received this title from Thomas Nelson for an honest Review.
This story is set in Monte Vista, near the Sangre de Cristo mountain range in Colorado for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my New Author Challenge list.TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the Print Copy:
For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.
* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 14, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 15, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.
